Samir Nasri unveiled at Sevilla and claims he shunned Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola鈥檚 attempts to get him to stay
France midfielder claims that Guardiola repeatedly told him he wanted him to fight for his place at the Etihad
SAMIR NASRI claims Pep Guardiola pleaded with聽him to stay at Manchester City and fight for his place.
Nasri was today officially unveiled at Sevilla after joining the Europa League kings on a season-long loan.
And the Frenchman - who Guardiola ordered to 'fat camp' on his pre-season return - insists that the City boss wanted to stay at the Etihad.
Nasri said:聽"Guardiola, until the last moment, tried to make me stay.
"But I was clear I wanted to leave and go to a place where I could give my best level.
"I was looking for a family club and in Sevilla I have found just that.
"But until the last moment I haven't been able to leave."
The 29-year-old suffered an injury-ravaged campaign last season and needed 100 stitches following a serious operation when聽muscle and a tendon became detached from his thigh bone - meaning he missed a massive 35 games.
It was initially thought he was not part of Guardiola's plans after the ex-Barcelona chief put him on a special training regime.
But that was proved wide of the mark when Nasri came off the bench in the 3-1 home win over West Ham last weekend.
Nasri insists he can now bring his best form聽to聽the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
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He added:聽"Last year was difficult for me both on and off the field but the time I was injured helped me to step back and reflect. I learned a lot in the last year.
"I'm fine, because I played last weekend with Manchester City.
"I am very excited and I hope to do my best."
Nasri was one of four big-name聽City players to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
拢42million flop Eliaquim Mangala left for fellow Liga outfit Valencia, while Jason Denayer joined Sunderland and Joe Hart joined Torino - all on season-long loan deals.
Mangala said: "Last year was difficult for me both on and off the field but the time I was injured helped me to step back and reflect. I learned a lot in the last year.
"I think coming to Valencia was my destiny. I am here to show my quality and my potential for a full season."
